How to Select an IVF Doctor

When looking for a IVF doctor, a good place to start is to ask your OB/GYN for his/her opinion of doctors in your area. Because fertility treatment usually requires several office visits, you will probably not want to travel too far for testing and treatment. Other sources are friends or relatives you know who have had an experience with a fertility doctor. Because there is a wide range of IVF clinics, it is helpful to know the ins and outs of how to select an IVF clinic.

Though some OB/GYNs do provide limited infertility treatment, they are not trained in the more advanced reproductive technologies like IVF. You will want to find a doctor who has been trained to do IVF.

Reproductive Endocrinologists (RE) represent a subspecialty of obstetrics/gynecology devoted specifically to treating infertility.  RE's are required to have specialized training that is above and beyond their 4-year OB/GYN residency training and board certification.

Once you have narrowed down your options, you should make an appointment to meet with, and interview, the doctors on your list. Your partner should attend the appointments with you.

Some questions to ask:

• Where did you receive your medical training? When?
• Are you a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist?
• For how long have you been treating infertility?
• Do you have a treatment specialty?
• How long have you been in this practice?
• Are you affiliated with a hospital?
• How many patients have you treated with IVF, and how many IVF cycles have you performed?
• What are steps in the procedure?
• If the reason for my infertility is unclear, what diagnostic tests do you recommend?
• Do you have a call-in time so that I can ask questions?

As with selecting an IVF clinic, you will want to listen to your gut when choosing your doctor. Your comfort level with the doctor is a very important aspect that should not be ignored.